.380

Question
QUESTION: i recently took the hobby of target practice. i shoot a .22lr with no problem then i shot the 9mm. the 9mm was to troublesome for me because of my unexpience. should i just keep trying the 9mm or switch to a .380. is there much difference ?

ANSWER: It depends on what you want the gun for. If it is only for punching paper, I'd stick with the .22.

If it is for self-defense, then a .380 is a huge liability.

If you want a 9mm, I would recommend you get some good training, which you can find from any NRA Certified Pistol Instructor (do a search and you'll probably find one in your area).

Like anything else, being taught the proper way to do it will make a difference. My son has been shooting IDPA competition (combat pistol competition) with a 9mm pistol since he was 11. If an 11 year old boy can do it, you can do. You just need to find a good teacher.


---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: is a .380 generally smaller than a 9mm? or about the same that i should just practice on the 9mm?

Answer
The .380 ACP cartridge is known in Europe as the 9mm Kurz ("short").

Whereas the 9mm Parabellum (or 9mm NATO, or 9X19 - they're all the same catridge) has the same diameter bullet as the .380 ACP it is a significantly more powerful cartridge.

The .380 employs a lighter bullet driven at lower velocities. In fact, the .380 is such a mild cartridge that guns chambered in it are often of straight blow-back design, rather than the locked-breech necessary to contain the pressures of the 9mm.

Guns chambered in .380 therefore tend to be tiny last-ditch self defense guns which are unpleasant to shoot (such as the Ruger LCP). Guns chambered in a 9mm (such as the Glock 17) are usually much easier to shoot because of their larger size.